Frequently Asked Questions

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BLC exists to make disciples (Matt. 28:18–20) by teaching students the Gospel (2 Tim. 3:16–17; Rom. 3:23–26). Through biblical literacy (Josh. 1:8), the goal is spiritual transformation (Rom. 12:1–2), producing fruit (Gal. 5:22–23), and equipping them to serve others by grace and for God’s glory (1 Pet. 4:10–11; Eph. 2:8–10).

The Bearden Learning Center is not affiliated with any denomination and is supported by local churches of various denominations and theological traditions. However, we are an evangelical Christian ministry. The “Evangel” is the “Gospel of Jesus Christ” and to be “Evangelical” means we tell others about it. With this understanding, we affirm the following:

1. The Bible, composed of the Old and New Testaments, is the inspired Word of God without error in the original manuscripts.

2. God is the only true living God, existing eternally as Three Persons, Father, Son and Holy Spirit. These Three are one God, having the same divine attributes.

3. Man, originally created in the image of God, fell through sin into spiritual death. This death has been transmitted to the entire human race, with Jesus as the only exception.

4. Jesus Christ, the only begotten Son of God, came into the world to redeem it from sin. Virgin born and sinless, He died on the cross to take away the penalty of our sin, after which He arose from the dead and ascended into heaven. He will return to judge the living and the dead. All men are lost until saved by faith in the finished work on the cross of the Lord Jesus Christ.

5. We also affirm the Apostle’s Creed and the Manhattan Declaration.

With Tennessee becoming one of only a handful of states offering high school credit for RTBE classes, BLC aims to equip and empower schools to offer these courses to as many high school students across the state as possible, with the goal of having it available to all Knox County Schools within the next 5 years.

Released-Time Bible Education takes place when students are released from public school during the school day to study the Bible at an off-campus location. This program is legal because it:

• Occurs off public school property (held at Gallaher Memorial Baptist Church)
   
• Is voluntary and requires parental/legal guardian permission
   
• Receives no public funding—classes are privately financed by churches, community organizations, and individuals

Yes. Three legal requirements ensure compliance with U.S. law (Zorach v. Clausen, 1952):

• Held off school property
   
• Attendance is voluntary and requires parental permission
   
• No public funds are used — the program is entirely privately funded to this item.

https://www.releasedtime.org/

Currently, RTBE classes are offered to Bearden High School students in grades 9–12.

Classes take place during the school day at the Gallaher Memorial Baptist Church. Transportation is provided from the Bearden High campus across the street for their designated class period(s) each semester.

Bearden Learning Center currently provides 3-4 classes each semester:

• Introductory Old Testament (Fall Semester): a chronological survey focusing on how Israel's history leads to Jesus
   
• Introductory New Testament (Spring Semester): focuses on the life of Jesus, early church growth, and theology found in Paul’s letters

Bearden Learning Center classes are offered completely free to public school students, thanks to the generosity of supporters—individuals, businesses, and church partners.

Request the course through their school counselor to add it to their schedule. 

1. Have their parent complete the enrollment request form.
    
2. Request the course through their school counselor to add it to their schedule. Contact beardenlearningcenter@gmail.com with any questions.

• Email: beardenlearningcenter@gmail.com
   
• Mailing Address:
  Bearden Learning Center
  118 N. Peters Rd STE 240
  Knoxville, TN 37923
   
• Learning Center Location: 219 S. Gallaher View Rd, Knoxville, TN, 37919